You've Gotta Have Friends

Our Rabbis and ancient Torah scholars had much to say about friendship and they have been sharing their wisdom with us for hundreds of year. In class this week we have been examining some of the ancient texts and reading quotes from Pirke Avot, the Talmud, and from our great teachers. We then began evaluating the qualities we bring into a relationship and the qualities we demand in a return. As generations before us did, we too share our advice. Enjoy.

"Friends are like salt and pepper, they spice you up, and you spice them up."

"Don't judge a friend by how they look."

"There are no best friends, just those who like and those who you don't."

"Friends aren't perfect, but each is special in his or her own way."

"Friends, never leave home without them."

"You can't have a friend unless you know them."

"If you want to know who you are, tell me who your friends are."

"Friends are like metal, if you leave them out they rust,
But if you bring them in, they will be shiny forever."

"To have a friend, you must be a friend."

"Don't judge a friend, just by the wrong choices they make."

"Nothing is worth anything until you give it currency."

"A good friend will alwys know when too much it too much,
And when he or she hasn't done enough."

"Friends are like a bag filled with socks,
They are soft, but they can hurt you."

"Friends are like a box of chocolates, there are a lot of them
And they are all good in different ways."

"One friend is better than no friend."

"A good friend is like a best friend."

"A friend is a person who helps you in times of need,
is trustworthy, compassionate and helpful."

"Don't be a friend that is a blank piece of paper,
Be one with glitter and sparkles and colors."

"Don't waste time thinking about things your friends could do or not do,
Or say better than they do, because if they were your real friend,
you would be thinking about how much fun you were having."

"Friends are the beat to the music of life."

"Friends are the water that plants need to grow."

"Friends are like a roller coaster."

"Friendship is like a sandwich, it needs two pieces of bread and
something in between that they both have in common."

"Be friends with someone woh will stick with you all the way."

Yesher Koach

Hugs, kisses, and enthusiastic handshakes, accompanied by the Hebrew greeting "Yesher Koach," is the customary expression of congratulations extended to those who have participated in the public synagogue service. Literally translated as "May your strength be firm” and most often bestowed upon those who read from the Torah, English readers, ark openers, and Torah dressers, are usually greeted similarly.

As a teacher, I am forced to ask myself, what exactly are we saying when we extend a "Yesher Koach," to our students? Are we congratulating them for the brilliance of their performance or for their commitment and participation? Do we wish to commend effort and hard work or do we only commend those that have achieved mastery? Reflecting on the recent Sunday morning Family Education programs and last week’s Shabbat School has convinced me to extend a "Yesher Koach," to all of the students who participated.

Parents and students who regularly attend and participate in our Religious school activities not only need to be congratulated for the brilliance of their personal accomplishments and achievements, but for their commitment to Jewish Education. You could have been anywhere else and you and chose to be here. So as I extend a heartfelt "Yesher Koach," to the students in Kitah Vav, I commend you for showing up, for being here, and for your brilliance in carrying on the traditions given to us by the generations before us. Your strength and commitment will indeed guarantee another generation will carry us forward. "Yesher Koach,” and May your strength be firm.

Have a great winter break, Barbara

Share A Shabbat

This week we again celebrate Shabbat together in Southfield. Shabbat School is a great way to spend time with your friends and enjoy our Shabbat morning Torah Service. Join us for a Torah Treasure hunt and Shabbat Learning in the Library. See you Saturday.